Cats are naturally curious animals and whether your feline friend is a keen outdoor explorer or an indoor-loving couch potato, they are likely to encounter plants and flowers from time to time. Cats investigate their environment by interacting with it – plants included! This often involves sniffing, licking or playing with plants and flowers they find interesting. However, not all plants and flowers are friends, and some can be extremely toxic to your cat.
Many plants and flowers commonly found in homes, gardens, bouquets and seasonal decorations can be harmful to cats. While some may only cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms, others can cause serious illness or even death. By understanding which plants are a risk to your pet and knowing what to do if ingestion of one of them occurs, you can keep your fur baby as safe as possible.
How likely is it that my cat will eat something poisonous?
Fortunately, cases of cat plant poisoning are relatively uncommon. Unlike dogs, they are a little more wary of what they eat and don’t tend to just gobble things up without thinking about it! However, they interact with their food differently, often pawing or playing with it first, meaning toxins are often ingested later on during grooming. Cats also metabolise things differently to other animals which can make them more sensitive to certain toxins.
Below are some of the more commonly found flowers and plants that are toxic to cats. However, this list is far from exhaustive and there are numerous flowers and plants that pose a risk. Symptoms also vary from being mild to serious depending on what is ingested. If you think your cat has eaten a toxic plant or have seen them eating something and you’re just not sure if it’s safe, contact your vet as soon as possible.
Lilies
Lilies deserve a special mention because they are one of the most dangerous plants for cats. Many lilies are extremely poisonous to cats. The most important are Easter/Asiatic lily (Lilium spp.) and Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.), although other lily types can also be harmful.
Every part of a lily plant is toxic to cats, this includes the petals, leaves, stems, pollen and even the water from the vase they’re in.
Lilies can cause acute kidney failure in cats and exposure to even a tiny amount can be fatal.
If you’re suspicious that your cat may have ingested any part of a lily plant, contact your vet immediately as prompt treatment is key. Cats treated early or within the first few hours of exposure have the best chance of recovery. The easiest way to avoid this risk in your home is to avoid keeping lilies altogether.
Spring flowering bulbs
Plants such as daffodils, tulips and hyacinths are popular in gardens and bouquets. The bulbs of these plants are especially toxic, but the flowers are also poisonous if ingested.
Symptoms of ingestion include hypersalivation, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Houseplants
Not all toxic plants cause severe illness, but many common houseplants can still cause problems and require veterinary care. Everyone loves a houseplant, but make sure you’re selecting ones that are safe if you have a furry friend at home.
Popular indoor plants that can cause problems for your cat include:
- Peace lilies
- Pothos (Devil’s ivy)
- Philodendrons (Araceae, Monstera)
- Dieffenbachia (dumb cane)
- Aloe vera
- Poinsettia
- Cycads
These plants can cause painful swelling of the mouth and symptoms include hypersalivation and vomiting.
Garden plants
Several popular garden plants can be dangerous to cats, including:
- Foxglove
- Rhododendron
- Azalea
- Autumn crocus
- Yew
- Nerium oleander
- Juniper berries
Some of these plants can affect the heart, nervous system or kidneys, meaning ingestion can be especially serious.
How can you protect your cat from poisonous plants?
Although it can seem daunting knowing just how many plants pose a risk to our cats, remember that cats can be cautious too, and it is uncommon for them to eat things they shouldn’t. Your main goal should be to eliminate or reduce the risk of your cat actually coming into contact with toxic plants.
Choose cat-safe plants
Many plant retailers have pet-friendly symbols or website filters to show pet-safe plants only. If a particular plant has caught your eye, check whether this is safe for you cat before you bring it home (check a reputable online resource or ask the seller). Get to know common plants that are dangerous to cats and try to avoid bringing these into your home or garden altogether, especially lilies.
For plants where caution is advised, keep these well out of reach or in a closed off section of your house or garden that your cat doesn’t have access too. Remember cats will climb anywhere and love to play with things like hanging stems so you can never be too careful.
Check any gifts or flower bouquets you receive for potentially harmful plants and flowers. If in any doubt, or your cat is one for nibbling pretty much anything – remove it.
Providing alternatives
A fake plant is much safer than a real toxic one and can allow you to get the same look but without the maintenance. You can also provide other forms of enrichment for your cat to keep them stimulated and attempt to make plants and flowers less exciting. Cat toys they can chase and play with as well as snuffle mats are great ways to keep your pet entertained.
What are the signs of plant poisoning?
The symptoms depend on the plant involved and the body system(s) it affects. Common signs include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Hypersalivation
- Mouth irritation or swelling
- Pawing at the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Seizures
- Increased thirst or urination
- Breathing difficulties
It’s also crucial to keep in mind that signs and symptoms can develop some time after ingestion, so even if your cat seems fine after chewing or ingesting a plant, never assume it is safe.
What should you do if your cat has eaten a toxic plant?
Don’t wait for symptoms to appear, contact your vet immediately. Remove the plant if possible to prevent any further exposure and if safe to do so, gently remove any plant material from their mouth, coat or paws.
It’s really helpful if you can provide as much information as possible so your vet can guide the best course of action. Try to identify the plant or take a photo if you’re not sure, as well as a rough estimate of the amount ingested. Follow your vet’s advice promptly, they may refer you to an animal poison information provider for further guidance.
Creating a cat-friendly home
Having a cat does not mean you have to sacrifice greenery in your home – there are plenty of plants safe to keep and enjoy around your pets. Just do your research. Common houseplants that are generally considered safe to keep around cats include:
- Orchids
- Parlour palm
- Peperomia
- Prayer plants (Calatheas)
- Spider plant
- Sword fern
The bottom line
Most cases of plant poisoning can be prevented with a little foresight. If you are a seasoned or brand-new cat-owner, familiarise yourself with the most common toxic flowers and plants. Try to keep dangerous species out of your home altogether.
If you ever suspect your cat has ingested a toxic plant, contact your vet immediately. Early treatment often provides the best chance of recovery.
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